Best padel rackets for beginners in 2026: what players rate
Just started? We've rounded up what published reviewers and coaches recommend for a first racket, and what they say to avoid.
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This is a roundup of published reviews and specifications. Off The Glass has not tested these products.
With the LTA now counting 1.5 million padel players in Britain, a lot of people are about to buy their first racket. This is a roundup of what published UK buying guides say. Off The Glass has not tested these rackets. Specs and prices below are as reported in each guide and will change, so check before you buy.
What the guides agree on
- Go round. Round heads put the sweet spot low and central, so mishits are punished less. The Guardian, Padel Mad and The Padel Setup all steer beginners this way, or towards a gentle teardrop.
- Avoid diamonds for now. Head-heavy diamond rackets are built for power, have a smaller sweet spot and are widely described as a poor first buy.
- Soft beats stiff. Fibreglass faces and softer foam cores are more forgiving and kinder on the arm than full carbon.
- Don't overspend. The Guardian's reviewer suggests £50 to £100 for a first racket.
The rackets reviewers rate
Decathlon Kuikma PR Rental
The Guardian's pick for beginners (£49.99 at the time of review). Round, 350g, medium balance. Its testers found it more forgiving than most on off-centre hits. The main gripe was a narrow handle, easily fixed with an overgrip.
Babolat Counter Origin
The Guardian's best overall, aimed at players moving on from club rentals without spending more than about £100. Round, 355g, head-light. The trade-off is less power.
Kuikma PR Open and PR Comfort Soft
Padel Mad's Decathlon guide lists the PR Open (round, 320g, fibreglass, £24.99) as a first racket for casual players, and the PR Comfort Soft (round, 350g, soft EVA core, £34.99 to £39.99) for beginners who want more comfort and vibration damping. Prices were as of 12 October 2026.
HEAD Evo Speed
The Padel Setup's best overall beginner racket: a teardrop with a soft fibreglass face that gives easy power while still being forgiving. Its other picks include the round Dunlop Megamax Green on a budget and the Wilson Optix V2 Lite for a lighter swing. The site says its guide is research-led rather than court-tested.
Where they disagree: weight
The guides don't agree on weight. The Guardian's beginner picks sit at 350g to 355g, while Padel Mad's general beginner guide suggests 360g to 380g. Lighter is easier on the arm, heavier gives more stability. Most venues lend rackets, so try a couple before you buy. Our guide to choosing a padel racket explains shape, weight and balance.
